Gay marriage and country music was thrust into the spotlight last week by Carrie Underwood in an interview she did with The Independent of England, in advance of her first British show ever next week.

Near the end of the story by Guy Adams, he wrote, "Does she ever struggle, I ask, to square her religion with the progressive, gay-friendly mores of the music industry?

"Our church is gay-friendly," she responds, seeming suddenly energised. "Above all, God wanted us to love others. It's not about setting rules, or [saying] 'everyone has to be like me'. No. We're all different. That's what makes us special. We have to love each other and get on with each other."

"As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love, and want to marry. I can't imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."

Underwood, who prays daily with husband Mike Fisher, has engaged in other social issues, particularly in being vegan, although frankly that's not quite as sexy, prominent or controversial an issue as gay marriage.

In fact, most country artists seem to eschew politics, perhaps afraid of what happened to the Dixie Chicks who were roundly chastised for going against President George W. Bush in advance of the Iraq war.

There are a few who make their voices heard - John Rich, perhaps first and foremost, his musical partner Kenny Alphin about war-torn Africa, Tim McGraw and a few others.

But most don't want to stick their out, unless their idea of politics is saying how great the south is compared to New York City or writing and/or singing pro-American songs (Toby Keith is example number one).

Underwood isn't likely to be leading any gay pride parades anytime soon, but she made her personal feelings known when asked. She didn't duck the issue. Instead, she answered it honestly and in a straightforward manner. Kudos for Underwood for taking a stand, speaking from the heart and saying what was on her mind. That's not always such an easy thing to do when concerned about keeping a great career going and wondering about any possible backlash. Underwood apparently wasn't, and that's to her credit.